Acute Mountain Sickness

Mountain Sickness:

The major point of the trekkers who trek first time in Nepal is fear about AMS(acute mountain sickness). Mountain Sickness is a very serious problem that can affect anyone. Being aware of the symptoms, abiding awareness of symptoms, can reduce the chances of affliction. Most of us are able to adjust to living at a higher altitude, gives enough sufficient time (acclimatization is the process of adaptation) but it depends on different persons. Some suffer headache in 2500 m either some suffer happily twice of height without any discomfort. It is not possible to predict in advance who among firstly time trekkers will suffer from it, or when. Physical fitness only benefits neither it young fullness. In fact, it will appear young people more than old people.

The best way to avoid AMS is to make a steady ascent to about 3000m, then ascent no more than 400m per day after that. And “Climb high sleep low” is important. It is better to plan a rest day in order to allow the body to adopt the reduced oxygen levels at the mountains.

Another best consideration is liquid intake. At higher altitude, it is necessary to drink at least 4 liters a day to avoid dehydration. And to urinate half liter a day. Yellow color urine signs you that liquid needs to be increased.

Mountain sickness can be detected in several ways. Headache, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue. Some trekkers also find that suffer disturb for sleeping and become breathless. When these symptoms developed then do not go higher until the symptoms have gone away. If these signs of leaving after a day instead become worse it is important to descend to lower levels. Do not take strong painkillers or sleeping tablets as these can mask the symptoms.

The worst condition was indicated by vomiting, severe headache, lack of coordination, bubbly breathing, wet, increased of tiredness and breathlessness, even a rest. Such symptoms warn the very serious condition (fluids can be lungs or brains). Which if ignored can lead to lack of consciousness and death within 12 hours. The only care is descending at once even at night if necessary until symptoms decrease or completely disappear. The improvement is experienced just 300m of descending. Continue with your trek when signs of improvement indicate that it’s safe to do.

Remember that do not go too high too fast and descend promptly if ill.

If you have not been to altitude before and no acclimatize well visit your doctor before trek high altitude. He may prescribe half a Diamox tablet (125 mg) be taken each 12 hours in a day. Diamox does not mask the symptoms of AMS, so if you still get them, it is essential to get them accordingly. Many people taking the drugs experience mild tingling in hands and feet.- these are not signs of developing AMS. You should notice that increased urine output, through as Diamox is a diuretic and used to reduce fluid retention.

Some places of Nepal a medical Aid post run by volunteers from the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) is situated like Manang, Pheriche. Some doctors are attendance during high season. In the afternoon they give the free lecture of AMS with a lot of useful advice. This is well worth attending for tourist. They give some medical consultation with some fees too.

There is some hospital along the trekking routes of Nepal. Evacuation from more remote areas of some trekking routes difficult to organize and extremely expensive to carry through. The rescue also takes time because of weather condition and insurance supporting documents and communications systems. Rescue only attempted when a guarantee of sufficient payment has been made. Independent trekkers have less chance of having a positive response to a call for airlift evacuation and the room for hotels and tea houses. The experienced guide helps very quickly for them in case they are in danger. So Mission Himalaya Treks And Expeditions PVT Ltd. suggest you join the good company to support you the whole trip of Nepal.